1. Start-Up - Discussion
9/11/15
With your VERTICAL partner, discuss the following:
Who is your favorite character from a story you have read? Describe them
(their personality, not their appearance).
What was it about that character that made you like them?
BE PREPARED TO SHARE

2. Now, in your chart, copy and answer the question:
Start-Up - Writing
Now, in your chart, copy and answer the question:
Who did your partner say was their favorite character from a story they read? How did they describe them? What was it about that character that made your partner like them?

3. Today’s Objective
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to define and give examples of literary terms specific to characters and characterization. They will begin to understand and be able to relate, in conversation and in writing, the differences between types of characters and character traits. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.10 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.10.5

4. Elements of Characterization
Academic Vocabulary
Elements of Characterization
Today you will be introduced to some new vocabulary words that all have to do with characters in stories.
These new terms will be added to a new ACADEMIC VOCABULARY CHART.
You will submit your new academic vocabulary charts by Monday morning at 7:00.

5. Elements of Characterization
Academic Vocabulary
Elements of Characterization
I will be providing you with the definitions, but YOU must work together with your group to come up with examples and rationales for each term.

6. Elements of Characterization
Character Traits – the special qualities of a character, such as his or her behaviors, habits, likes, and dislikes
Example: Katniss Everdeen – She is strong, brave, caring, and fair
Characterization – The way writers reveal how and why characters think, feel, and act
Example: We learn about Katniss from the way she speaks and acts.
Direct Characterization – When the writer tells you very directly what the characters are like.
Example: When Bart Simpson says, “I’m an underachiever and proud of it.”

7. Elements of Characterization
Indirect Characterization – When the writer gives clues to what the characters are like, found in their thoughts, words, and actions.
Example: When we learn more about Katniss from her volunteering and how she treats others in the game.
Motivation – The reasons why a character thinks or acts a certain way
Example: Voldemort goes after Harry for revenge and power.
Subordinate Characters – Less important characters
Example: Moe, Apu, Krusty the Klown

8. Elements of Characterization
Flat Character – A character with only one or two key personality traits
Barney – He is disgusting and drinks too much.
Round Character – A character with many personality traits
Lisa – She is smart, plays the saxophone, likes to dance, is responsible, etc.
Stock Character – A one-sided character whom we think of as a “type.”
Example: Chief Wiggum – The Dumb Police Officer

9. Elements of Characterization
Dynamic Character - a character that changes in some way or another over the course of the story.
Example: Katniss – She goes from being brave for her sister to being a hero and symbol of freedom
Static Character - stays the same over the course of the story.
Homer – He never changes. He is always an idiot.
Protagonist - the main character of the story
Harry Potter – He is the hero and the center of the story
Antagonist - The opposing character in the story who works against the Protagonist.
Example: Voldemort – He works against Harry throughout the entire story

10. Exit Ticket
In your charts, copy and answer the question: Think about the character you said was your favorite from a story. Would you describe that character as flat or round? Why? How did the writer in the story reveal the character: directly or indirectly?